Gaseous electric discharge lamp



Dec. 17, 1929. F. SCHAEFER 6 GASEOUS ELECTRIC DISCHARGE LAMP Filed Dec. 25. 1927 Patented Dec. 17, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT; OFFICE FRANK SCHAEFER, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF 'l O AMERI- CAN SIGNS CORPORATION, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN GASEOUS ELECTRIC DISCHARGE LAMP Application filed December 23, 1827. Serial No. 242,267.

In gaseous tube lamps employing gases, such as neon and helium and other so-called rare gases, the lamps are likely to deteriorate rapidly on account of the matter occluded or thrown off from the copper or other metal electrodes commonly employed. I

The main objects of the invention are:

First, to provide a gaseous electric discharge lamp or luminous tube which is of very long life.

Second, to provide in a lamp of this character an improved electrode.

Objects relating to details and economies of construction and operation of my invention will appear from the detailed description to follow.

The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a gaseous tube lamp embodying the features of myinvention.

Fig. 2 is a detail longitudinal section on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. 2, the transverse electrode supporting pinbeing shown in full lines.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a slightly modi fied form of electrode embodying the features of my invention.

In the drawing similar reference characters refer to similar parts in all the views.

Referring to the drawing, the structure illustrated is a lamp of the gaseous electric discharge tube type consisting of a tube 1 adapted to contain a gaseous medium which becomes incandescent when subject to electric discharges.

The use of neon, helium and certain other so-called rare gaseous mediums is quite'well known in the art.

My improved electrode 2 is, in the embodiment illustrated, formed of carbon in tubular form and has transverse holes 3 therein receiving the supporting pins 4 having tapered ends 5. These pins fit sufliciently close in the openings?) so that they remain in their adjustedposition therein, supporting the electrode in a central position. The ends of the pins may be easily filed or ground oil to fit the tube. The ins are arranged transversely, as illustrate so that the electrode is entirely supported thereby.

The conductor 6 is provided with a terminal 7 projecting from the hub 8 of the tube, this terminal having eyes 9 to receive the pins, thus forming the electrical connection and also supporting the terminal centrally within the tubular electrode.

The metal parts within the tube are thus effectively housed so that any matter thrown off therefrom is mainly collected within the electrode. This, however, does not in any way detract from the efficiency of the electrode. The amount of gases given off from the electrode is so slight as not to be of importance.

My improved lamps are very economical to produce and, as stated, are of comparatively long life.

Having thus'described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A gaseous electric discharge lamp com prising a sealed tube, a tubular electrode of carbon disposed therein and having transversely disposed holes therein, supporting pins arranged in said holes to engage the walls of the tube whereby the electrode is supported centrally within the tube, and a conductor terminal disposed within said electrode and having eyes engaged by said pins.

2. In a gaseous electric discharge lamp, the combination of a sealed tube, a tubular nonmetallic electrode within said tube provided with transversely projecting non-metallic pins engaging the walls of the tube, and a conductor terminal disposed within said electrode and provided with eyes engaged by said pins.

3. A gaseous electric discharge lamp comprising a sealed tube, an electrode of carbon disposed therein and having transversely disposed holes therein, supporting pins arranged and a conductor terminal, said pins constitutsaid tube and having transversely holes therein, and supportlng pins arranged ing means for connecting said terminal to said electrode.

4. A gaseous electric discharge lamp comprising a sealed tube, an electro e dis o'sed in isposed in said holes to engage the Walls of the tube, said electrode being transversely movable on said pins.

5. In a gaseous electric discharge lamp, the combination of a sealed tube, a tubular electrode provided with opposed holes, a supporting pin arranged through said holes to engage the Wall of the tube, and a conductor terminal disposed .within said electrode and connected to said pin.

6. In a gaseous electric discharge lamp the combination of a sealed tube, an electrode Within said tube having transverse holes,

tllerethrough disposed at an angle to each other, and supporting pins arranged through said holes to engage the walls of the tube, the electrode being movable on said pins.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

FRANK SCHAEFER. 

